While India is a massive importer of sunflower oil, it has quietly emerged as a strategic exporter of premium Sunflower Seeds. The global demand is shifting. Countries like the Philippines, Bangladesh, and even the USA are looking to India for specific varieties—primarily for confectionery (snacking), bird feed, and oil extraction.
The "China Plus One" strategy and the disruption in the Ukraine-Russia corridor (the world's sunflower basket) have opened a window for Indian exporters. If you can guarantee low moisture and high purity, there is a dollar market waiting.
This guide provides the latest market data, HS codes, compliance checklists, and a curated list of buyers to help you navigate this sector.
1. Market Intelligence: The Numbers (2024-25)
Export Volume: India exported approximately $2.6 Million worth of sunflower seeds in 2023-24. While niche, it is high-margin.
Top 5 Importers of Indian Seeds:
Philippines: The #1 buyer (High demand for snacking seeds).
Bangladesh: Industrial crushing and bird feed.
United States: Specialized bird feed and bakery ingredients.
United Kingdom: Bird feed and health food markets.
UAE/Middle East: Roasted snacks market.
Key Trend: The demand for "Confectionery Grade" (Striped/Black large seeds) is rising in SE Asia, while the USA buys "Bird Feed Grade" (Black seeds).
2. The Product: Varieties & HS Codes
In export, "Sunflower Seed" is not just one product. You must distinguish between the types to avoid rejection.
| Product Category | HS Code | Description & Use Case | Target Market |
| Sunflower Seeds (Seed Quality) | 1206 00 10 | Certified seeds used for planting/sowing. High purity required. | Africa, SE Asia (Govt Tenders) |
| Sunflower Seeds (Other) | 1206 00 90 | 1. Confectionery: Large, striped/black, for roasting/eating. 2. Crushing: High oil content (>40%) for oil extraction. 3. Bird Feed: Smaller black seeds. | Confectionery: Philippines, UAE Bird Feed: USA, UK |
Quality Parameters (The "Deal Breaker"):
Moisture: Max 9-10%. (Crucial. Above 10% = Mold/Fungus during transit).
Purity: Min 98-99%.
Admixture: Max 1-2%.
Aflatoxin: Strictly regulated for EU/UK (Max 4ppb).
3. Buyer Landscape: Who Imports?
You are likely selling to three types of buyers: Snack Manufacturers (Human consumption), Feed Producers (Pet/Bird industry), or Oil Millers.
A. Southeast Asia (The Snack Kings)
Philippines & Malaysia: Big demand for roasted, salted sunflower seeds.
Potential Buyers: Look for snack importers in Manila who distribute to 7-Eleven or supermarkets.
Examples: Connedit Business Solutions (Singapore/Regional), Distributors for brands like ChaCha (often source raw material).
B. Europe & USA (The "Bird Feed" & Health Niche)
USA: Massive market for wild bird feed.
Potential Buyers:
Kaytee Products (USA): Huge pet food company.
Pennington Seed (USA): Major bird seed distributor.
Unicorn Ingredients (UK): Importers of seeds/nuts for the bakery sector.
C. Africa (Planting & Oil)
Nigeria & Tanzania: Often import seeds for sowing to boost local agriculture.
Buyers: Agricultural supply companies like Gude Mubi (Nigeria) or Meseret Tesfahun (Ethiopia).
4. Regulatory Compliance: The "Phyto" Hurdle
Sunflower seeds are "Raw Plant Material." Customs worldwide treat them as a bio-hazard risk.
Phytosanitary Certificate (PSC):
Mandatory for every single shipment.
Issued by the Plant Quarantine (PQ) department in India.
Inspectors check for specific pests (like Khapra Beetle).
Fumigation Certificate:
You must fumigate the container (usually with Methyl Bromide) before sealing to kill weevils.
Warning: The EU has strict rules on Methyl Bromide residue. Check if your buyer requires Phosphine fumigation instead.
Aflatoxin Analysis:
For EU/UK exports, you need a lab report proving Aflatoxin B1 levels are safe.
5. Logistics & Packaging
Packaging:
PP Bags: 25kg / 50kg White Polypropylene bags (Standard for bird feed/crushing).
Jute Bags: Sometimes requested by eco-conscious buyers in Europe.
Vacuum Packs: 10kg/25kg (For high-value Confectionery grade to preserve crunch).
Container:
20ft Dry Container: Holds ~20-23 Metric Tonnes.
Lining: Use Kraft Paper or Cardboard lining inside the container walls to absorb "Container Sweat" (condensation) and prevent mold.
6. Action Plan for Exporters
Pick Your Niche: Don't try to sell "crushing seeds" to the USA—they grow their own. Sell "Bird Feed" to the USA/UK or "Snacking Seeds" to the Philippines.
Sourcing: Source from Karnataka (major producer), Maharashtra (Latur/Solapur), or Andhra Pradesh.
The "Sample" Strategy: Buyers judge sunflower seeds visually. Send a 500g sample showing uniform size and cleanliness (no sticks/dust).